Traction is key in any form of motorsport, but it’s especially tricky in changingRallyCross conditions | WORDS Matt Wolfe | IMAGES Rupert Berrington

One of the biggest keys to finding speed in RallyCross is adapting to
changing course conditions. The
nature of the sport lends itself
to constant course changes,
surface degradation and other
factors that make each run a
unique experience. Moreover,
because every run counts, one
poor time can have a massive
impact on your overall score.

Many folks can lay down a flyer
of a lap, but to be truly fast in
the sport of RallyCross, you need
to be able to string together
consistent runs on a course
that may be a moving target.

If you’ve been around racing
for a while, you’ve heard the
phrase “look ahead” a million
times – and there’s a good reason
for it. Major course changes are
common in RallyCross, and verbal

IN THE GROOVE

(ABOVE) RallyCross sometimes
requires thinking outside the
box. Should you find traction
unavailable on the traditional
racing line, perhaps an alternate
path should be considered.

instructions as well as additional
parade laps are often given so
drivers can see those changes.

However, this is not always the
case. You should expect that
the course will have subtle
changes throughout the session.

Sometimes, these are in favor of
the driver, but sometimes they
are not. It’s your job to capitalize
on the changes that may catch
your competitors by surprise.